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“Hi, DC Lasota? It’s Hannah Castle here, just returning your call.” She transitioned from spaced out into professional as smoothly as if she were in the studio.

“Afternoon, Miss Castle,” said the officer.

“Just Hannah’s fine.” Hannah paced up and down her room.

“OK, Hannah. The good news is that we have a strong lead on who we think is doing this,” the detective told her.

“I feel like this is going to be followed by bad news,” said Hannah with a grimace.

“We’re trying to locate him, but as yet we’ve not had any success. We have no evidence at all that he knows where you are, or indeed that he has left London.” The DC was trying to reassure Hannah.

“Right. And can you tell me anything about him?” Hannah asked.

“He’s got form. He’s got a stalking conviction against another public figure. But this is the first time he’s made threats, which suggests his behaviour is, er, escalating.” It was clear he didn’t want to panic her, but Hannah knew she needed the truth.

“Is there anything I need to do?” Hannah had stopped pacing, and was staring out of her window. Below, she could see a deer running across the snow. It was a startling sight.

“No, nothing. You just sit tight up there. I gather you’re in a good place and they’re looking after you,” he said.

Hannah felt a warmth enveloping her. “Yes. I’m very lucky to be among good people.”

“Well, that’s good news. I’ll keep you updated. This is a top priority case for us, and the minute we make an arrest, we’ll be in touch.” The sound of tapping on a keyboard came from the other end of the phone.

“Thank you. And, please do have a good Christmas,” said Hannah.

“And you, too, if that’s possible given all this.”

“I think I will,” said Hannah. As she put down the phone, her window blew open. The dodgy clasp had struck again.

The grand hall looked even more festive than ever, which Hannah hadn’t thought possible. Someone had found yet more fairy lights to decorate the space, and there was a table heaving with mulled wine and whisky greeting guests as they arrived before dinner.

Anya was standing beside the table, gesturing to the hors d’oeuvres, explaining each one to the guests. It was clear that Christmas Eve dinner was a whole step up from the usual dinner arrangements at McLennon Castle.

Hannah had dressed in her favourite suit with matching heels, her hair was behaving itself, and she had silently congratulated herself on the dark eye makeup she’d applied just before she left her room. The plain t-shirt she’d bought in town that day blended well underneath her jacket.

“Welcome,” said Anya, “and happy Christmas Eve.”

“Thank you,” said Hannah, “and the same to you.” She gave Anya a warm smile and listened as the chef talked through the offerings. She took a selection of treats and a small cup of mulled wine, giving the whisky as wide a berth as usual.

“Hi,” came a voice from behind her. Hannah could feel Lottie’s breath on the back of her neck.

Hannah turned to face Lottie, who was wearing a stunning pale blue dress complete with silver detailing. Hannah’s mouth dropped open. “Wow,” she uttered.

“Thank you,” said Lottie, her cheeks going pink.

“Sorry, not very smooth of me,” admitted Hannah, ducking her head.

“Oh no, it’s fine,” said Lottie in a low voice. “I don’t think anyone would object to someone responding like that to their arrival.”

Hannah laughed, and looked at the pale skin on Lottie’s arm, longing to run her hand up it. She frowned. “This is going to sound odd, but have I seen this dress before? Like at uni?”

Lottie grinned. “You have! It was my favourite ball gown. I saw it hanging in my wardrobe earlier. I haven’t worn it in years, but I just felt like, well, why shouldn’t I?”

“It is really gorgeous,” said Hannah.

“Not too out of date?” Lottie looked down at the shimmering material.

“Not at all,” confirmed Hannah, wishing she had appreciated Lottie in this dress all those years before.